Tue, 30 Nov, -0001
Chengdu: AFC Vice President and Chairman of the AFC Futsal and Beach Soccer Committee Zhang Jilong is confident China’s first hosting of the AFC Futsal Club Championship will serve as an impetus for the development of the sport throughout the populous East Asian nation.
Speaking at Friday’s official draw ceremony, Zhang (pictured) remarked:
“I am convinced that the organisation of AFC Futsal Club Championship will leave a long lasting legacy for the development of Futsal in China, particularly for the holistic improvement of Futsal clubs in all areas.”
The fifth edition of the AFC Futsal Club Championship marks the first time in the tournament’s short history that the competition is taking place in China, with Chengdu given the honour of hosting.
Although China will again be represented by Guandong province side Shenzhen Nanling Tielang, who were defeated by eventual champions Chonburi Bluewave in the semi-finals of last year’s AFC Futsal Club Championship, Chengdu is a city that has been very active in futsal.
The capital of the Sichuan province was one of six cities to participate in the inaugural futsal tournament organised by the CFA (Chinese Football Association) in 2002 and has participated in every centralised and league competition since.
The AFC Futsal Championship 2014 will run from August 25 to 30. All matches will take place at the Shuangliu Sports Centre with the exception of two games in Matchday 3 on August 27, which will be played at the UEST Arena, when simultaneous kick-offs are required.